Pink Vail returns March 9

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VAIL, Colorado - On March 9, Vail Mountain welcomes hundreds of skiers and riders decked out in their finest pink apparel. These everyday athletes will gather in Vail for a one-day on-mountain event to raise awareness and funds in support of Shaw Regional Cancer Center's new survivorship program. One of the country's premier boutique cancer treatment facilities, Shaw's physicians and cancer specialists provide an innovative, holistic approach that empowers cancer patients to become cancer survivors. Pink Vail returns to Vail Mountain on March 9 as the world's largest ski day supporting cancer survivorship.

Pink Vail is a participation-based fundraising event similar to a run or walk to support a cause - in this case, the cause is cancer. Participants receive pledges, or sponsorships, to ski Vail Mountain during the one-day event. Skiers and riders may participate as individuals or as members of a team, and registration and fundraising efforts are tracked through the event website at www.pinkvail.com.

"Last year's inaugural Pink Vail event totally exceeded our expectations," said Michael Holton, marketing director for the Vail Valley Medical Center and Pink Vail event producer. "We hosted over 700 skiers and riders and raised nearly $200,000. We hope to beat our own record this year and encourage skiers and riders from across the state, and the country, to join us in support of cancer fighters and survivors everywhere."

Participants check in the morning of the event and receive credentials and an event trail map. They may choose to explore Vail Mountain on their own, or they can participate in the Checkpoint Challenge, which involves finding Vail's five famous on-mountain decks and earning prizes along the way. The day on Vail Mountain commences at 4 p.m. with a guided "Celebration Ski Down" from Eagles Nest, down Simba to the Lionshead base area. The festivities continue into the evening in Arrabelle Square with a Pink Apres Party, awards ceremony and free concert with Charlie Mars.

"VR Echo is proud to partner with Pink Vail, working to assist families dealing with the impact of a cancer diagnosis," said Chris Jarnot, chief operating officer of Vail Mountain. "Working together, we hope to increase awareness about cancer and, more importantly, help raise funds to support families through the difficult period of fighting the disease."

Proceeds from Pink Vail benefit the "Spirit of Survival" program at Shaw Regional Cancer Center. This new program includes a variety of fitness and wellness classes, nutrition coaching, peer support and emotional counseling, a number of First Descents camp sponsorships and holistic healing options.

Shaw is an intimate cancer care facility that provides exceptional, compassionate treatment and survivorship programming for patients from the Colorado Rocky Mountain region and beyond. Shaw treats patients from across the U.S. who are looking for individualized care in a unique healing environment. Shaw is renowned for its experts and professionals, and for its holistic, personalized approach to cancer treatment and recovery. The cancer care team treats approximately 200 patients per year, which allows for a close connection between cancer experts and patients. The oncologists and cancer specialists at Shaw treat a variety of cancers, including breast, prostate and lung cancers, and they recognize that environment plays an important role in any treatment and recovery plan. Shaw Regional Cancer Center has been recognized and accredited by some of the top cancer organizations in the country, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology Cancer Foundation, Susan G. Komen for the Cure, American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer, and the American College of Radiology.

Shaw Regional Cancer Center also features Jack's Place, a 12-room cancer caring house for patients, their caregivers and family members traveling to the Vail Valley for treatment. Named after Dr. Jack Eck, a longtime and beloved Vail-area doctor, Jack's Place is a one-of-a-kind lodge providing safe, convenient and comfortable day and overnight accommodations throughout the course of a patient's treatment at Shaw. Overlooking the Sawatch Mountain Range and the Eagle River, Jack's Place also features a yoga studio, meditation room, wireless Internet, and a double gourmet kitchen. Jack's Place is generously funded by donations, grants, and the Vail Valley Medical Center, allowing patients to pay what they can afford. For information visit www.shawcancercenter.com.

To participate in Pink Vail 2013, register at www.pinkvail.com. There are no age limits or ability requirements to register. The minimum pledge amount needed to register for the event is $25. A Vail Mountain ski pass or lift ticket is required for mountain access.

Why pink? Pink Vail was started as a fundraising event to support breast cancer, specifically, and has grown and expanded to include all cancers and anyone touched by the disease.